WORCESTER, Mass. – The Franklin Pierce University football team dropped a 56–12 decision to Assumption University in Northeast-10 Conference action Saturday afternoon at Brian Kelly '83 Stadium.
The Ravens move to 5–4 overall and 4–2 in NE10 play, while the Greyhounds improve to 7–2 overall and remain unbeaten in conference action at 6–0.
Assumption built a 17–0 lead before Franklin Pierce answered midway through the second quarter. Following a seven-yard sack by Ismail Shabazz that helped force a punt, Kha'lil Eason returned the kick 17 yards to set the Ravens up at the Assumption 36-yard line. Three plays later, Giovanni Winters connected with Joseph Mugovero for a 30-yard touchdown with 7:15 remaining in the half.
The Greyhounds blocked the ensuing extra point and returned it for two points, then added two touchdowns to take a 33–6 lead into halftime.
Assumption opened the second half with a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and later added a field goal. Anthony Salviati provided the Ravens' second touchdown with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter, intercepting a pass and returning it 35 yards for the score. The Greyhounds added two fourth-quarter touchdowns to close out the scoring.
Mugovero led Franklin Pierce with three receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown. Winters completed six passes for 34 yards and one touchdown, while Shawn Brown added a 16-yard completion.
Jeremiah Hayes paced the defense with 15 tackles, including eight solo stops. Damon Smith added eight tackles, while Shabazz finished with six solo tackles, a sack and a quarterback hurry. Damir Stone and Rey Mercedes also recorded six tackles apiece.
Anthony Johnson totaled 128 yards on five kickoff returns, highlighted by a 41-yard return, while Eason added 24 yards on two punt returns.
Franklin Pierce returns home to host Saint Anselm on Saturday, Nov. 14, in its season finale.
